Ball State hires alumni association head from University of Miami

Ball State University today announced it has hired a new executive director of alumni programs. Julie C. Stroh is currently senior director of alumni programs at the University of Miami, located in Coral Gables, Fla. She will assume her new position at Ball State on Aug. 31.

"Julie is an excellent choice for the association at a critical time in its history," said President Jo Ann M. Gora. "What our alumni want and need from us — and how they can best engage with their alma mater — is changing rapidly. Julie has a proven ability to capitalize on a dynamic environment and create valuable relationships where everyone wins."

Stroh agreed that relationship-building will be a critical focus of her efforts.

"Great programs engage alumni with each other and with their institution in ways that support the continued success of both," she said. "This calls for a level of collaboration between alumni and the university where everyone gets something valuable. My first day cannot come fast enough. I'm eager to meet our alumni and faculty and learn what we can do to be most helpful in nurturing mutually beneficial programs and relationships."

Stroh said she looks forward to meeting and working with academic leaders and faculty to find new ways to connect alumni and their academic programs.

"It is clear to me that Ball State alumni have a special connection to their academic experience and speak fondly of professors who had an impact on their lives," said Stroh. "We can be helpful by nurturing these lifelong relationships."

As executive director, Stroh will lead an organization that serves more than 157,000

Ball State alumni worldwide. Approximately 98,000 of those live in Indiana, with about 33,000 in the Indianapolis metropolitan area alone.

The association helps alumni connect with fellow Ball State graduates and keep in touch with what's happening on campus through an array of programs and engagement opportunities. It also helps recruit bright students to Ball State and raise funds for a variety of university projects and student scholarships.

She has worked at the University of Miami's association in several leadership capacities since 2008, creating successful alumni outreach programs for a variety of audiences.

Stroh also has served on the board of directors for the University of Michigan's alumni association for the past 10 years, her term ending in October. She currently serves as the board's immediate past chair and has served terms as chair and treasurer.

She also has an extensive corporate background, including more than 10 years working for Arc One LLC, a national distributor of architectural doors and hardware, including time as senior vice president, vice president and treasurer.

It was that mix of alumni and professional experience that was attractive to Hudson Akin, vice president for university advancement, and members of the search committee who recommended Stroh for the job.

"Her broad and deep experience and expertise in the field of alumni programs will be a great asset," said Akin. "Her achievements at Arc One, where she gained invaluable organizational and leadership skills, will also serve her well here. She brings to us a well-rounded and extremely welcome package of experiences and skills. I'm very pleased to have Julie join our team."

Kimberley A. Stout, chairwoman of Ball State's Alumni Council and a member of the search committee, agreed, "Julie will make a great addition to the Ball State family."

R. Wayne Estopinal, member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees, the Alumni Council and search committee, added, "Julie's appointment is wonderful news. Great days for the alumni association lie ahead."

Stroh follows Edwin D. Shipley, who led the association for 31 years with a deep loyalty and commitment to alumni around the world. He retired in June 2011. Vice President Emeritus Don Park has served as the interim executive director since then.

Stroh is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has a master's degree from the University of Miami. She is married to Frank W. Ackermann Jr. and has four grown children. She also has ties to Indiana: Her husband is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and her mother's family has roots in Greencastle and Indianapolis.